To appreciate what I will bring to your table please allow me to tell you about myself, my background, and what influences my culinary art. I began cooking at a young age and enthusiastically hosted my first dinner party at age 11. This was just the beginning of my passion for cooking great food for people from all walks of life, including family, friends and company executives. My travels have taken me all over the world, and I have been fortunate to live in many diverse cultures. From Seattle, Washington, to the United Arab Emirates, I became a student of food, whether it was cooking a turkey dinner for 20, or learning how to prepare delicious Mediterranean or Asian fare.

Fast forward to 2004 when I settled in the Hartford, Connecticut, area and decided to take the love I have for cooking and share it with others. I was fortunate to be in the same neighborhood as many of the finest culinary schools in the country. With a little help from my daughter, who suggested the company name, I started Savory Thymes Personal Chef Service. It reflects fresh and bright flavors. I began my business by cooking for families in their homes. While this was rewarding, the physical demands took a toll on my body. Talk about the cobbler's kids not having shoes...the chef's family had no dinner! It became clear that I needed a permanent home, so I moved into a commercial kitchen and started my delivery service.

Over the past few years I have created hundreds of recipes that can be described as "comfort food with a twist of sophistication." I create dishes with flavor. I am continuously expanding my menus with new spices that pique my interest and bring new tastes to meals typically considered traditional. In fact, I am honored to have been recognized by Better Homes and Gardens for creating just the type of food I create every day.

- Ruth L’Hommedieu